Question For The Fitness Experts i.e. Athletes/Medical Folk

gpstrucker

A question for the athletes and/or medical professionals amongst us. Just how much, fitness-wise, can a 50 year old man expect to accomplish?

Right now my goal is to lose the excess weight to get healthier, and get somewhat more fit. But I have to admit that since I have started this I have had fantasies of actually becoming physically fit. You know, running, etc.

The reality is that I haven't run since I got out of the military in 1981, with the few exceptions that involved very large dogs. I smoked cigarettes for 30+ years. I have quite the cigarettes but, well, you know. Damage done.

I know that at some point in time the body simply doesn't regenerate the way it does in youth. Is it too late for me, with a bunch of pins and screws in my body due to a shatter pelvis, and early stage arthritis, to actually become really fit? Or should I not set myself up for disappointment and settle for dropping the weight and walking a lot?

Inquiring minds want to know.

ThickMcRunFast

http://news.runnersworld.com/2012/05/07/pete-magill-1511-for-5k-at-age-50/

Well, this guy just ran a 15:11 5k at 50, so the sky's the limit!

In reality though, start slow, and since it sounds like you have some joint problems consult a physical therapist if you can about how you should go about starting to run and upping your endurance. Go slow, be prepared to get frustrated at points, and good luck!

mmapags

Sorry my friend but I can't tell you. You see I'm about to turn 61. I bike 18 miles at a crack, lift heavy 3 times a week and run the occaisional 5K. I'm thinking you can get there too being the young'un that you are. It won't happen overnight but it can be done if you stay at it and challenge yourself to progress. There is a Zen saying that goes "the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step". Just take the step, and then another, and then another............

gpstrucker

http://news.runnersworld.com/2012/05/07/pete-magill-1511-for-5k-at-age-50/

Well, this guy just ran a 15:11 5k at 50, so the sky's the limit!

In reality though, start slow, and since it sounds like you have some joint problems consult a physical therapist if you can about how you should go about starting to run and upping your endurance. Go slow, be prepared to get frustrated at points, and good luck!

Thanks. I'm guessing that guy has been active and fit all or most of his life. I'm talking about a slob like me who hasn't been interested in fitness until he reached 50.

Good advice on going slow though, I am doing exactly that.

TrainingWithTonya

I once had a 72 year old woman come to me at the gym and ask me to train her for a new sport she wanted to try. She had never been in a gym before but was bored sitting at home since her husband died and had seen this sport on television that she wanted to try. Sitting across the desk from a 72 year old woman who had never been in a gym before, I assumed she wanted to try shuffleboard or golf or something equally slow paced. Nope. She had watched the Olympia the night before. By the time she was 78, she was competing in the masters division in bodybuilding and won a local competition in Atlanta. So, I would tell you that you are only limited by what you believe you can do. If you think it, you can achieve it. But like was previously stated, start slow and progress to more. I don't have my clients increase anything more then 10% per week. So, you can increase intensity by 10% this week and duration by 10% next week and so on until you get to where you want to be. Just start slow!

gpstrucker

Sorry my friend but I can't tell you. You see I'm about to turn 61. I bike 18 miles at a crack, lift heavy 3 times a week and run the occaisional 5K. I'm thinking you can get there too being the young'un that you are. It won't happen overnight but it can be done if you stay at it and challenge yourself to progress. There is a Zen saying that goes "the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step". Just take the step, and then another, and then another............

Thank you, my friend. You are inspiring and I have always known of that saying and held to it. Have you always been active or did you start later in life? That's really the heart of the matter for me.

Maybe I'm just over-thinking this whole thing and should just go with it and see where it leads.

gpstrucker

I once had a 72 year old woman come to me at the gym and ask me to train her for a new sport she wanted to try. She had never been in a gym before but was bored sitting at home since her husband died and had seen this sport on television that she wanted to try. Sitting across the desk from a 72 year old woman who had never been in a gym before, I assumed she wanted to try shuffleboard or golf or something equally slow paced. Nope. She had watched the Olympia the night before. By the time she was 78, she was competing in the masters division in bodybuilding and won a local competition in Atlanta. So, I would tell you that you are only limited by what you believe you can do. If you think it, you can achieve it. But like was previously stated, start slow and progress to more. I don't have my clients increase anything more then 10% per week. So, you can increase intensity by 10% this week and duration by 10% next week and so on until you get to where you want to be. Just start slow!

No kidding? Now that is encouraging. Thanks for that.

SuffolkSally

Speaking as non-athlete/medical person, watch this before you limit yourself too much...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448&feature=youtu.be

Be patient, and celebrate every small achievement, otherwise you'll give up on yourself. But don't think you can't achieve what you want...

dougii

You can accomplish just about anything you want, just take your time and work your way slowly to your goals. I am going to turn 55 this coming Sunday and began this journey on January 10, 2012 - one year to the day from quiting smoking after 30 years and 9 months after breaking my left leg in 3 places (I had some of the hardware removed in November but the bone was not yet healed in January). At first the thought of losing 10 pounds seemed daunting - now am expecting to break through 50 pounds "misplaced" in the next couple of weeks. I could barely walk 1/8 of a mile without major lower back pain, now I walk 2 miles with no pain and run 6.5 - 7.5 miles on an elliptical every other day. Last Friday my BP came in at 100/70 and the doc took me off one of my BP meds, plan on the rest of them going too. My pant size has dropped from a 44 tight to a 38 comfortable and I am working on getting back to a 34. I started lifting weights about a month ago and now lift for 60 minutes or so every other day in addition to 100 sit ups every morning. I feel better than I have in years and God willing am gong to look better than I ever have in the near future. If I can do this so can you!!!! It takes a considerable amount of effort but gets easier and more enjoyable by the day. Be sure to consult with your doctor as you are progressing (mine would not approve me running at first but based on the weight I have lost has now given me the go ahead, I plan on a 5K in the fall with my daughter). Feel free to friend me if you want. Know that you can do this!

BrownEyedDiva

I don't know your answer but I do know my pastor is in his 60's and runs an hour each day! I think that is motivation enough to keep on pushing since you are younger, but health wise... I dont know much about that.. Good luck

TrainingWithTonya

I once had a 72 year old woman come to me at the gym and ask me to train her for a new sport she wanted to try. She had never been in a gym before but was bored sitting at home since her husband died and had seen this sport on television that she wanted to try. Sitting across the desk from a 72 year old woman who had never been in a gym before, I assumed she wanted to try shuffleboard or golf or something equally slow paced. Nope. She had watched the Olympia the night before. By the time she was 78, she was competing in the masters division in bodybuilding and won a local competition in Atlanta. So, I would tell you that you are only limited by what you believe you can do. If you think it, you can achieve it. But like was previously stated, start slow and progress to more. I don't have my clients increase anything more then 10% per week. So, you can increase intensity by 10% this week and duration by 10% next week and so on until you get to where you want to be. Just start slow!

No kidding? Now that is encouraging. Thanks for that.

Oh, and if you go and watch a replay of the most recent Olympia Female Figure division, you will see that there are several women there who are about 50. It's because of them that I set my most recent goal of competing and making the Olympia by the time I'm 50. Heck, I won't mind making that goal after 50 either! LOL

juliaamilee

Well as a RN i can say, do as much as you can do, and one step at a time. Dont expect to jump right in running. Build up to it, talk to your dr. Congrats on quitting smoking! A hard task to overcome! Dont set limits on youself right now. You wont know until you build up to it. Each person is different, you cannot rely on what has come with one person or another its about you! good luck!

pkfrankel

If you think you can, you will. Don't set your goals too high. Start slow and you will find that you improve very quickly.

StrongGwen

Speaking as non-athlete/medical person, watch this before you limit yourself too much...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448&feature=youtu.be

Be patient, and celebrate every small achievement, otherwise you'll give up on yourself. But don't think you can't achieve what you want...

Yes, go to YouTube and watch this video! It has really kept me motivated since I saw it. You'll feel like you can do anything once you've seen it!

mfpcopine

Maybe I'm just over-thinking this whole thing and should just go with it and see where it leads.

I'm not an expert, but I think you are right to try to carefully consider what to do. You should have a plan, and if possible, some coaching or supervision tailored to you. You don't want to inadvertently push too hard and injure yourself. People considerably younger than you have physical limitations.

SuffolkSally

Speaking as non-athlete/medical person, watch this before you limit yourself too much...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448&feature=youtu.be

Be patient, and celebrate every small achievement, otherwise you'll give up on yourself. But don't think you can't achieve what you want...

Yes, go to YouTube and watch this video! It has really kept me motivated since I saw it. You'll feel like you can do anything once you've seen it!

Please do let us know what you think once you've had a chance to see it. The guy is somewhat like you, in a way, and I think you might relate to his experiences.

mmapags

Sorry my friend but I can't tell you. You see I'm about to turn 61. I bike 18 miles at a crack, lift heavy 3 times a week and run the occaisional 5K. I'm thinking you can get there too being the young'un that you are. It won't happen overnight but it can be done if you stay at it and challenge yourself to progress. There is a Zen saying that goes "the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step". Just take the step, and then another, and then another............

Thank you, my friend. You are inspiring and I have always known of that saying and held to it. Have you always been active or did you start later in life? That's really the heart of the matter for me.

Maybe I'm just over-thinking this whole thing and should just go with it and see where it leads.

I was not always active.I'd go through spurts occaisionally but not steady and would go years between spurts. I just started feeling too old and out of shape about a year or so ago and decided to get focused and took it from there. I'm about 18 lbs down from my starting point, 10% lower in body fat and in much better shape. In very good shape actually. It didn't happen overnight but I set reasonable goals and when I met them, I'd set new ones. Just chuggin along. Got a lot of great help from some of the folks here!

gpstrucker

Speaking as non-athlete/medical person, watch this before you limit yourself too much...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448&feature=youtu.be

Be patient, and celebrate every small achievement, otherwise you'll give up on yourself. But don't think you can't achieve what you want...

Wow, Arthur is my new hero. That was awesome!

gpstrucker

You can accomplish just about anything you want, just take your time and work your way slowly to your goals. I am going to turn 55 this coming Sunday and began this journey on January 10, 2012 - one year to the day from quiting smoking after 30 years and 9 months after breaking my left leg in 3 places (I had some of the hardware removed in November but the bone was not yet healed in January). At first the thought of losing 10 pounds seemed daunting - now am expecting to break through 50 pounds "misplaced" in the next couple of weeks. I could barely walk 1/8 of a mile without major lower back pain, now I walk 2 miles with no pain and run 6.5 - 7.5 miles on an elliptical every other day. Last Friday my BP came in at 100/70 and the doc took me off one of my BP meds, plan on the rest of them going too. My pant size has dropped from a 44 tight to a 38 comfortable and I am working on getting back to a 34. I started lifting weights about a month ago and now lift for 60 minutes or so every other day in addition to 100 sit ups every morning. I feel better than I have in years and God willing am gong to look better than I ever have in the near future. If I can do this so can you!!!! It takes a considerable amount of effort but gets easier and more enjoyable by the day. Be sure to consult with your doctor as you are progressing (mine would not approve me running at first but based on the weight I have lost has now given me the go ahead, I plan on a 5K in the fall with my daughter). Feel free to friend me if you want. Know that you can do this!

That's great. Exactly what I needed to "hear". Thank you my friend.

gpstrucker

Well as a RN i can say, do as much as you can do, and one step at a time. Dont expect to jump right in running. Build up to it, talk to your dr. Congrats on quitting smoking! A hard task to overcome! Dont set limits on youself right now. You wont know until you build up to it. Each person is different, you cannot rely on what has come with one person or another its about you! good luck!

Thanks. I'm taking it slow. I have weight to lose before I consider running. I don't believe in limits, just reality.

As for one comment. I said I quit cigarettes, I didn't say I quit smoking LOL. I love my pipes and have no intention of quitting those. But of course one doesn't inhale pipe smoke so it's totally different. It's my relaxation and passion.

gpstrucker

Maybe I'm just over-thinking this whole thing and should just go with it and see where it leads.

I'm not an expert, but I think you are right to try to carefully consider what to do. You should have a plan, and if possible, some coaching or supervision tailored to you. You don't want to inadvertently push too hard and injure yourself. People considerably younger than you have physical limitations.

Thanks. Being cautious is also something new to me. I have always been a "dive right in" sort of person, but the past few years I am starting to feel the effects of such youthful foolishness and have become much more thoughtful. Advil et al make a lot of money from me these days LOL.

Personal coaching isn't really practical due to my line of work. As a trucker I never know where or when I will be anywhere. I am an intelligent person, just ignorant of the whole physical fitness thing as it had never interested me until recently. I will learn, and I will take it slow and cautious until I do learn.

Thanks.

gpstrucker

Please do let us know what you think once you've had a chance to see it. The guy is somewhat like you, in a way, and I think you might relate to his experiences.

I do relate indeed. Thanks.

fittocycle

My neighbor will turn 90 this year. She attends Jazzercise three times a week, mows her own lawn, trims the bushes, and shovels snow in the winter. I asked her once if she had always been athletic. She thought a moment and then said she only started to workout when she was in her 40's. Guess it doesn't matter when you start, as long as you are active! She moves better than people half her age!

gpstrucker

My neighbor will turn 90 this year. She attends Jazzercise three times a week, mows her own lawn, trims the bushes, and shovels snow in the winter. I asked her once if she had always been athletic. She thought a moment and then said she only started to workout when she was in her 40's. Guess it doesn't matter when you start, as long as you are active! She moves better than people half her age!

I love old folks like that. My grandfather was a real pistol, and very active right up until he dropped dead at 104 while at work.

taunto

I'm not an athlete but aspiring to become one. I do boxing. The academy I workout at has produced Olympians and The head coach is the coach and father of Chris Byrd. My coach is Chris Byrds brother and also a world class boxer.

My coach, who is in his 50's, works out 4 hours with us (2x classes of 2 hours each). Plus he works out by himself also on the 5 days the academy is open. From what my head coach told me, my coach also works out at home on sat and sun.

So in short, you can be an athlete at any age. Ofcourse there is always the "prime" age of being in a competitive sport but looking at my coach, I can bet you that with hard work and dedication, you can out do alot of 25 years old who workout!

Edit: Also, my MFP friend Mare just turned 60 and often runs miles and miles. She definitely outdo alot of young and healthy youngsters

Edit 2: I started smoking when I was 11, I quit around 24. 13 years of smoking, and at one point I was smoking 1-1.5 packs a day. I'm now 28, I can still feel the craving for it and my stamina is still building up (but thats partially because I haven't worked out alot also) but once again, no, damage is NOT done. Also, I know alot of these really tough and fit fellas who STILL smoke. Heck I used to smoke WHILE biking (no way in hell am I doing that again btw...) and I still recovered. You can too!

cmriverside

You will be surprised how quickly your body will rise to the occasion. I'm 58, smoked for 25 years.

Just start.

KandieLantz

Sorry my friend but I can't tell you. You see I'm about to turn 61. I bike 18 miles at a crack, lift heavy 3 times a week and run the occaisional 5K. I'm thinking you can get there too being the young'un that you are. It won't happen overnight but it can be done if you stay at it and challenge yourself to progress. There is a Zen saying that goes "the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step". Just take the step, and then another, and then another............

I'm in love!

Hmrjmr1

Maybe I'm just over-thinking this whole thing and should just go with it and see where it leads.

You are correct you are over thinking it, Ruck up lad and follow me we'll get where you wanna go.

Hammer Jammer 1

Quasita

Through working with a nutritionist and adjusting his diet, along with a mild increase to his activity, my dad lost over 60 pounds in less than a year around 55 years old. He's now 60, but he still gardens and rides his bike and golfs, and has kept the weight off this whole time.

LorinaLynn

I'm not *that* much younger than you. I didn't start running until I was 38 years old. 38.5 to be exact.

You might not be able to run a 15 minute 5k, but you can and will make a lot of improvements in your health and happiness. Starting is the hardest part.

gpstrucker

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of the encouragement. I guess trying to get fit may not be such a fool's errand at my age. I am still just focusing on weight loss for now but maybe at some point I can loosen the reigns on my little fantasy of getting fit.